Federal prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty for the white gunman who killed 10 black people at a Buffalo, New York, grocery store in 2022.
National News
New US Bishops’ Report Identifies 5 Top Areas of Religious Liberty Concerns
A new annual report by the U.S. bishops’ conference identifies five top threats to religious liberty in the United States, including a federal regulation it says could impose mandates on doctors to perform objectionable procedures and threats to the church’s service to people who are migrants.
March for Life 2024 Aims to Make Abortion ‘Unthinkable’ in American Culture
This year, the national March for Life in Washington Jan. 19 promises to empower women facing unexpected pregnancies with the message that they are not alone — and that the pro-life movement is ready and waiting to help them choose life for their baby.
Catholic Groups Push Back Against Biden Immigration Plans
As Congress negotiates the fiscal year 2024 budget, dozens of Catholic organizations have signed joint letters to the Senate and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas opposing immigration proposals in the Biden administration’s supplemental budget request, and questioning the efficacy the measures would have.
Alabama Gets Federal Judge’s OK for First U.S. Execution Using Nitrogen Gas
A federal judge ruled Jan. 10 that Alabama can execute a death row inmate with nitrogen gas in late January, which would make it the country’s first execution using this method that has been described by the inmate’s attorneys and a United Nations report as cruel and experimental.
Wisconsin Judge Finds McCarrick Not Competent to Stand Trial in Abuse Case
A Wisconsin judge on Jan. 10 suspended a sexual assault case against Theodore McCarrick after a court-appointed psychologist found the ex-cardinal not competent to stand trial, possibly ending efforts to secure a criminal prosecution.
This Year’s March for Life Goal: ‘To Ultimately Make Abortion Unthinkable’
On Jan. 19, tens of thousands of people are expected to participate in the annual March for Life in Washington marking the 51st anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 decision that legalized abortion.
Michigan Report: No Priests Facing Abuse Charges, but Three With Misconduct Complaints
A new report on clergy sexual abuse in the Diocese of Gaylord, Michigan, found that there are no priests or deacons in active ministry in the diocese facing substantiated allegations of sexual abuse of a minor, and that total allegations have plummeted since the U.S. bishops’ conference implemented the Dallas Charter in 2002.
Bishops: Catholics Should Pray ‘9 Days For Life’ Novena for Unborn
Catholics across the country are encouraged to pray “9 Days for Life,” an annual Respect Life novena starting Jan. 16.
USCCB Affirms Pope’s Description of Surrogacy as Turning a Child Into ‘An Object of Trafficking’
Pope Francis told diplomats Jan. 8 that he finds surrogacy “deplorable” and would like to see the practice universally banned.